"KICK" Start to Early Literacy

SavetheDate8thAnnualKickball

SUPPORTING EARLY LITERACY

United Way of Hernando County's Kickball Tournament's purpose is to support early literacy and continue to provide Hernando preschool children free books to help them grow their own little library and prepare them for kindergarten. All proceeds from this the "KICK" Start to Early Literacy Kickball Tournament will benefit United Way’s Dolly Parton Imagination Library (DPIL) program, currently providing over 1,050 Hernando children with a free book every month from birth to age of five. The books are mailed directly to enrolled children regardless of their family’s economic status.

EVENT UPDATE

2023 Kickball Tournament Results

United Way’s 8th Annual “KICK” Start to Early Literacy #Kickball Tournament was one for the BOOKS!

The Championship Game came down to Downtown Athletics “Tangerine Dream Team” - Celebrity Coach Christa Tanner VS  Withlacoochee River Electric Co-Op Inc “WRECing Crew”” - Celebrity Coach Doug Chorvat Jr. A BIG congratulations to the “Tangerine Dream Team” for taking home the Ultimate Traveling Trophy

Congratulations to semi-finalists Barrette Outdoor Living’s “Barrette Knights” w/ CC Brian Hawkins and Timber Pines Community Associations’ “Hammer Jammers” w/ CC April Johnson Spence

The Celebrity Coach DUNK TANK resulted in:

  • Pasco-Hernando State College SH Campus Provost Dr. Amy Anderson (voted)
  • Publix District Manager Allyn Welch (voted)
  • HC Administrator Jeff Rogers (selected)
  • UWHC Executive Director/CEO Angie B. Walasek (selected)

Our Pie-A-Deputy and MASCOT FUN RUN (Carey the Cow) was a success!!

 

 Pie-a-deputy                    foam partymascot fun run

 

Thank you to our Grand Slam Champions Kiwanis Club of Brooksville & Family Chiropractic and all amazing sponsors, vendors, and volunteers for their partnership! Thanks to the support received from this event, United Way will be able to provide 1,048 1-year scholarships (equivalent to 12,576 books) to #Hernando preschool children through our Dolly Parton's Imagination Library over this next year!

 

For more ways you or your business can get involved and #LIVEUNITED, visit www.UnitedWayHernando.org #Ballin4Books

 

event timeline   raffle flyerspirit night


Food Trucks:

Happy Camper     spicecornerlogo      Cali Street Tacos 

Ebes Cuban Cafe     GoGo Burger    Potatoballinlogo  

 theicecreambar          El Roys Elotes

Lovecorndogs      ninascucina       meatstixlogo          ​

   pioborichicken       brainfreeze       The Nacho Wagon

 

 

 

Entertainment:

                 PJ the DJ        Foto Fun Booth        Inflatable Party Express        foam party logo

                                      PJ the DJ                  

Vendors:    

NOW RECRUITING KICKBALL VENDORS

 If you're interested in becoming a vendor at United Way of Hernando County's upcoming  8th Annual “KICK” Start to Early Literacy Kickball Tournament, scheduled for Saturday, March 25th, then email Justine with your filled out vendor form through impact@unitedwayhernando.org

vendor form

Questions? Please email Justine at impact@unitedwayhernando.org or contact the United Way office 352-688-2026

Trucks: 

  • Monster TrucksTrucks-
  • FOP Truck
  • SWAT Truck
  • Sheriff's Office Vehicles
  • Hernando County Mosquito Control
  • And so much more!

Individual and Business Sponsorships are available for anyone interested in investing in a child’s future. Your donation will enroll children onto the Dolly Parton Imagination Library program where free books will be mailed directly to their homes every month from birth to age 5.

Business Sponsorships:                                                                                   

Get your business involved and make a difference in the lives of thousands of youth in Hernando.

Individual Scholarships:

Questions? Please contact the United Way office 352-688-2026 or email Justine at impact@unitedwayhernando.org

 

 kiwanis logo

The Kiwanis Club of Brooksville: Kiwanis is a global organization of volunteers dedicated to improving the world one child and one community at a time. The Kiwanis Club of Brooksville is dedicated to serving the local community through various service and fundraising projects. Our club has been service our community for more that 93 years. We are part of Kiwanis International, an organization serving children for over 100 years.

Learn more

 

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Family Chiropractic: As leading chiropractic professionals, their staff will do everything they can to help you achieve your wellness objectives, heal from injuries, and live a healthy, full life. Family Chiropractic only use the best in chiropractic equipment and keep up with the latest innovations in holistic care to provide their patients with a full range of complementary health and wellness treatments. When you choose Family Chiropractic, you can rest assured that you will receive the finest quality care from chiropractic staff who genuinely care for your health and well-being.

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HCA Florida Oak Hill Hospital

HCA Florida Oak Hill Hospital Our hospital is committed to offering the Brooksville and Spring Hill communities advanced healthcare services with a compassionate, patient-focused approach. At HCA Florida Oak Hill Hospital, our experienced and knowledgeable leadership team is committed to improving the quality of care we provide to serve the healthcare needs of our community.

HCA Florida Oak Hill Hospital offers our community a wide range of services, such as:

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  • The Maternity Suites at HCA Florida Oak Hill Hospital, which offers advanced labor and delivery capabilities in a comfortable and family-centered setting and Level II NICU services. 
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Carter Foreman LogoCarter Foreman PLLC focuses on what you need to live and prosper. As a full-service law firm, you can turn to us for advice and capable representation at every stage of life. Due to our long and consistent track record of achieving results for individuals, families and businesses, we have emerged as a preeminent Florida law firm. Our trusted name stands for exceptional service in even the most challenging matters such as high-net-worth divorces, complex business transactions and alternatives to real estate foreclosures.

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Holmes Drafting ServicesAt Holmes Drafting Services, we are proud to call ourselves a full service drafting firm covering all of Florida and Georgia. As a “full service” firm, our involvement does not stop when the plans are handed over.

We offer additional services in most areas, such as permitting, site coordination, HOA representation, and takeoffs. Having the company that has spent countless hours involved with every intricate detail of your project coordinating the rest of the journey makes a substantial difference. Permits get turned around faster, and questions get answered immediately.

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Bravera Health 

Bravera Health Spring Hill & Brooksville help people get well and live healthier by providing safe, quality healthcare, building enduring relationships with our patients and providing value for the people and communities we serve. Bravera Health Spring Hill & Brooksville is a 120-bed Joint Commission-accredited acute care hospital that opened in 1932. In keeping with their heritage, the hospital provides quality, compassionate healthcare to residents of Hernando County and surrounding areas. Bravera Health Spring Hill & Brooksville care services include a surgery program, a dedicated orthopedic joint replacement center and two cardiac catheterization labs.

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PED-Stuart has been a family owned & operated business for over 40 years. Manufacturing American Made products is what we love to do!

Stuart Promotional Products: www.stuart-inc.com Promotional Products, Event Supplies, Branding Items, Identification, Security & Safety Products

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The Hardy Team is A Real Estate Team that you can trust to focus on you and your needs. They are dedicated to bringing you a one-of-a-kind real estate experience you won't find anywhere else. Take a deep breath, relax, and feel at home because you are.

                                      

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Their commitment to quality is infused into every aspect of their business. Micro Matic strives for excellence in product performance, value their employees and service partners, and promote causes that contribute to our communities' well-being.

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terlep

 

Terlep Chiropractic's central focus is on getting each and every person we see pain free while experiencing the best quality of life possible. In our facility you’ll find several chiropractic physicians with different areas of specialization to meet your needs. Quick availability of care is vital and same day appointments are always available.

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coastal engineering

 

Coastal Engineering Associates, Inc., (COASTAL) established in 1958, is a multi-disciplined firm providing Surveying, engineering, planning, environmental and construction management services. COASTAL currently serves as a Consultant for the Continuing Engineering Services – Water, Wastewater and Reclaimed Water Projects and Continuing Engineering Services serving as an extension of the Hernando County Department of Public Works (HCDPW) staff and resources by providing engineering services that support the development and improvement of the County’s infrastructure. COASTAL combines its talents and strengths to create innovative solutions to engineering, land use and environmental challenges. COASTAL is a client responsive organization, from concept to conclusion, providing the experienced guidance, competent administration and technical expertise vital to delivering economically justifiable, functionally and aesthetically sound projects.

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phsc

Pasco-Hernando State College combines high-tech educational facilities and state-of-the-art programs with a focus on teaching for student success. Students can expect personalized attention, small class sizes, highly credentialed faculty, and tuition and fees that are among the most affordable in the State of Florida. Our Associate in Arts (AA) degree program provides a solid foundation in the arts and sciences. Successful completion of PHSC’s AA degree guarantees seamless transfer to one of Florida’s public universities or state colleges at the junior level. PHSC provides training for more than 30 high demand careers in business, health, industry and technology, and public service through new bachelor's degree, Associate in Science degree and certificate programs.

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4corners

4Corners Pharmacy is a privately-managed and locally-owned pharmacy in Spring Hill, Florida. Our drugstore was established with the goal to serve the needs of the community. We believe that we can play an important role in the health and well-being of your family by simply doing our job which is providing your medications and healthcare supplies to preserve and maintain your health. Our Mission Statement: 4 Corners Pharmacy is dedicated to help you save every time you shop for your health care needs. We provide you with the highest quality in medications and medical supply needs while still ensuring the lowest prices.

 

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Kickball Player

2023 Team Line-Up: 

  • The Gym Class Heroes (Hernando County School Board)
  • Barrette Knights (Barrette Outdoor Living)
  • One Kick Wonders (Bravera)
  • Team Bilira-Kicks (Gus Bilirakis)
  • WRECking Crew (Withlacoochee River Electric Company)
  • Tangerine Dream Team (Downtown Athletics)
  • Trying to Score (Hernando County Sheriffs Office)
  • Hammer Jammers (Timber Pines)
  • Boomer's Best (PHSC)
  • Ball Busters (Publix #411)
  • The Wolves of Ball Street (Publix #457)
  • Janet's Bandits (Publix #630)
  • Jiminy Kick-It (Publix #813)
  • Brooksville Beetum (Publix #1132)
  • No O.T. (Publix #1198)
  • Kevin's Kickers (Publix #1282)

Kickball Coach

2023 Celebrity Coaches:

  • Dr. Amy Anderson (PHSC)
  • April Johnson-Spence (Community Advocate)
  • Beth Narverud (BOCC)
  • Blake Bell (City of Brooksville)
  • Brian Hawkins (BOCC)
  • Christa Tanner (City of Brooksville)
  • Jerry Campbell (BOCC)
  • Jeff Rogers (Hernando County Government)
  • John Stratton (Hernando County Schools)
  • Paul Hasenmeier (Hernando County Fire Rescue)
  • Doug Chorvat (Hernando County Clerk of Circuit Court)
  • Dr. Lauren Dedea (Toast and Toller Concierge Medicine)
  • Sheriff Al Nienhuis ( Hernando County Sheriffs Office)
  • Allyn Welch (Publix District Manager)
  • Brian Brijbag (Brijbag Law)
  • Dr. Brian Dahmer (Family Chiropractic)

Previous Kickball Champions & Their Impact
  • 2016: "Just Kickin' It" from Publix at Brooksville Square

  • 2017: "Just Kickin' It" from Publix at Brooksville Square

  • 2018: "WRECking Crew" from Withlacoochee River Electric Cooperative, Inc.

  • 2019: "WRECking Crew" from Withlacoochee River Electric Cooperative, Inc.

  • 2020: "Brooksville Bombers" from Publix at Brooksville Square & Celebrity Coach Jeff Rogers

  • 2021: "WRECking Crew" from Withlacoochee River Electric Cooperative, Inc. & Celebrity Coach Jeff Rogers

  • 2022: "Kicking Balls & Taking Listings" from 54 Realty & Celebrity Coach April Johnson-Spence

  • 2023: "Tangerine Dream Team" from Downtown Athletics & Celebrity Coach Christa Tanner

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 26, 2022

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 54 Realty Crowned 2022 Kickball Champs

United Way Raises Over $22,716 for Childhood Literacy at Kickball Tournament

Spring Hill, FL – (March 26, 2022) – United Way of Hernando County hosted their 7th Annual "KICK" Start to Early Literacy Kickball Tournament at Anderson Snow Park on Saturday, March 26, 2022. Since 2016, local companies have battled it out in a friendly competition for the Ultimate Traveling Kickball Trophy. This year we decided to add even more amenities including a Food Truck Rally. The participation and turn out was absolutely amazing! We all came together as a community to support such a great cause.

Proceeds from this popular fundraising tournament benefit United Way’s Dolly Parton Imagination Library (DPIL), which supports childhood literacy by sending enrolled Hernando children a free book in the mail every month, from birth to age 5. The community came together to raise over $22,716 for DPIL, which will allow United Way to provide roughly 11,358 books and it will sponsor 872 children from birth to age 5.

After a long afternoon of Hernando businesses vying for the Championship Trophy, the final matchup came down between Publix at Brooksville Square's "Brooksvegas Ballers" with Celebrity Coach Natalie Kahler from Brooksville Main Street and 54 Realty's "Kicking Balls & Taking Listings" with Celebrity Coach April Johnson-Spence, Community Advocate. It was a close game, but in the end The 54 Realty's "Kicking Balls & Taking Listings" were crowned the victors and the 2022 Kickball Champions.

 

A special thank you to all of our sponsors who proudly supported this fundraising event:

  • Get your Business involved and make a difference in the lives of many young children in Hernando.

  • Presenting Sponsor: Grand Slam Champion - Centennial Bank
  • Field Sponsor: Home Run Hero
  • Kickball Sponsor: Base Run Ballers
  • Yard Sign Sponsor: Double Play!
  • Click here to pay online!

Thank you to United Way’s Proud Partners at the Boys & Girls Club, Foundations of Life Pregnancy Center, Lighthouse for the Visually Impaired and Blind, Mid-Florida Community Service’s Early Start and Head Start, NAMI Hernando, and People Helping People for providing local resources for families in attendance. LifeSouth Community Blood Center’s Blood Mobile encouraged spectators to donate blood and save a life, and Terlep Chiropractic offered a coupon for discounted services with proceeds donated back to DPIL.

PJ the DJ from The Arc Nature Coast provided upbeat music all day for the attendees, and everyone loved snapping a keepsake picture with the life-size cutout of Dolly Parton at the Foto Fun Booth. United Way would also like to thank National Anthem singer Erika Iglesias and, Hernando County Parks and Recreation, and United Way of Hernando County volunteers, Board Members, and Kickball Planning Committee Members for generously donating their time, talents, and efforts to help make this event such a success.

group picture of kickball winners

2022 Kickball Champs: "Kicking Balls & Taking Listings" 54 Realty

Celebrity Coach April Johnson-Spence and Team Tim Pulmadore, Joey Favace, Ashley Read, Steven Read, Lamon Neal, Alex Ontivenos, Bobby Read, Dave Williams, Ryan Nutter, Brandon Wright, Devin Mormando, Tiffany Mormando, Katie Wright, Katie McCarthy

For more information on available opportunities for community involvement, visit www.UnitedWayHernando.org/Kickball

For more information, visit www.UnitedWayHernando.org/Kickball or like our event on Facebook.

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United Way of Hernando County, Inc.:
United Way of Hernando County (UWHC) was established as a 501c3 organization in 1987, and since then has continuously focused on creating partnerships and mobilizing our community to seek sustainable solutions to some of the most pressing local needs.  UWHC strategically allocates Community Investment Funds in Health, Education, & Financial Stability programs with proven results and local impact. For more information on how YOU can LIVE UNITED, visit www.unitedwayhernando.org.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 30, 2021

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WRECking Crew Crowned 2021 Kickball Champs
United Way Raises Over $12,000 for Childhood Literacy at Kickball Tournament

Spring Hill, FL – (March 30, 2021) – United Way of Hernando County hosted their 6th Annual "KICK" Start to Early Literacy Kickball Tournament at Anderson Snow Park on Saturday, March 27, 2021. Since 2016, local companies have battled it out in a friendly competition for the Ultimate Traveling Kickball Trophy. This year, COVID-19 safety precautions were implemented for the protection of the players, volunteers, vendors, and spectators. This included temperature checks at check-in, sanitation stations around the park, and proving masks for each dugout and vendor table.

Proceeds from this popular fundraising tournament benefit United Way’s Dolly Parton Imagination Library (DPIL), which supports childhood literacy by sending enrolled Hernando children a free book in the mail every month, from birth to age 5. The community came together to raise over $12,000 for DPIL, which will allow United Way to provide 6,000 books to enrolled children to help build their personal library.

After a long morning of Hernando businesses vying for the Championship Trophy, the final matchup came down between Withlacoochee River Electric Cooperative’s Team WRECking Crew and their Celebrity Coach Jeff Rogers, Hernando County Administrator and The Plumadore Group’s Team Kicking Balls & Taking Listings with their Celebrity Coach Doug Chorvat Jr., Clerk of Court & Comptroller. It was a close game, but in the end The WRECking Crew were crowned the victors and the 2021 Kickball Champions.

Thank you to the following businesses and their accompanying Celebrity Coaches (CC) who competed in this year’s event:

  • Team "O'Berry's All Stars" from Publix at Seven Hills --> CC Allissa O'Berry, Publix #411
  • Team "The Heat" from the HC Sheriff’s Office --> CC Sheriff Al Nienhuis, Hernando County Sheriff's Office
  • Team "Average Joe's" from Publix at Mariner Commons --> CC Beth Narverud, Hernando County Commissioner
  • Team "Dupuis Demolishers" from Publix Hernando West --> CC Billy & Kristie Healis, Walmart Dist. & HC County Judge
  • Team "If You Ain't Amerifirst, You're Last" from Amerifirst Home Mortgage --> CC Blake Bell, Brooksville City Council
  • Team "Champa Bay" from Timber Pines Community Association --> CC Chance Phillips, Beer Frog/Evom
  • Team "Schwiftey Business" from Publix at Brooksville Square --> CC Chris Linsbeck, Hernando County Parks & Recreation
  • Team "Eleven Ninety Great" from Publix at Glen Lakes --> CC Doug Chorvat, Clerk of Court
  • Team "Oops! We Kicked It Again" from Publix Lakewood Plaza --> CC Dr. Eddie Williams, PHSC
  • Team "The Done Dealers" from Publix Avalon --> CC Dr. Joanie Davis, Davis Family Hearing
  • Team "Kicking Balls & Taking Listings" from The Plumadore Group --> CC Jeff Holcomb, Hernando County Commissioner
  • Team "WRECking Crew" from Withlacoochie River Electric Coop. --> CC Jeff Rogers, County Administrator
  • Team "World's Okayest Kickballers" from HC Schools --> CC Superintendent John Stratton, Hernando County School District
  • Team "Barrette Knights" from Barrette Outdoor Living --> CC Josh McGuire, Texas Roadhouse
  • Team "NO BASE LIKE HOME" from Century 21 Alliance Realty --> CC Marilyn Pearson Adams, Century 21 Alliance Realty
  • Team "Pitches Be Crazy" from Publix at Barclay --> CC Marvelous Marvin, HITS 106

Returning for the popular Mascot Fun Run were Andy the Armadillo from Texas Roadhouse, Pikachu, Carey the Cow, and Tommy the T-Rex. They were joined by newcomers Teachable T-Rex from Mid Florida Community Services Head-Early Head Start, Pasco Hernando State College’s Boomer the Bobcat, Olaf from Terlep Chiropractic, and the Shark from Nature Coast Technical High School. It was a close race, but in the end Tommy the T-Rex was crowned victorious.

Congratulations to all of the raffle winners!

  • Alex Killorn hat: John M.
  • TreeUmph!: Kelly G.
  • ZooTampa: Yamil F.
  • Wonderworks: Celeb Coach Jeff R.
  • Autographed Mike Evans football: Brandon S.
  • Mascot Fun Run: Cindy

A special thank you to all of our sponsors who proudly supported this fundraising event:

Thank you to United Way’s Proud Partners at the Boys & Girls Club, Foundations of Life Pregnancy Center, Lighthouse for the Visually Impaired and Blind, Mid-Florida Community Service’s Early Start and Head Start, NAMI Hernando, and People Helping People for providing local resources for families in attendance. LifeSouth Community Blood Center’s Blood Mobile encouraged spectators to donate blood and save a life, and Terlep Chiropractic offered a coupon for discounted services with proceeds donated back to DPIL.

With a high of 92 degrees on Saturday, United Way was fortunate to have BrainFreeze Italian Ice on site cooling off attendees with their delicious desserts, and Texas Roadhouse grilled hotdogs and hamburgers for the players, volunteers, and attendees. Mid Florida Community Services and Target sponsored a grab-and-go breakfast for players and volunteers.

PJ the DJ from The Arc Nature Coast provided upbeat music all day for the attendees, and everyone loved snapping a keepsake picture with the life-size cutout of Dolly Parton at the Foto Fun Booth. United Way would also like to thank National Anthem singer and Challenger K8 teacher Jonathan Kryk, Hernando County Parks and Recreation, and United Way of Hernando County volunteers, Board Members, and Kickball Planning Committee Members for generously donating their time, talents, and efforts to help make this event such a success.

group picture of kickball winners

2021 Kickball Champs: WRECking Crew from Withlacoochee River Electric Cooperative

Celebrity Coach Jeff Rogers and Team David Gonzalez, Al Lemire, Zach Sorrentino, Jason Giddings,
Denine Sorrentino, Justin Owens, Rusty Lightbody, Justin Rubeo, Davd Moen, Taylor Scumaci,
Brittney Walker, Josh Velez, and Noah Torkelson.

For more information on available opportunities for community involvement, visit www.UnitedWayHernando.org/Kickball

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United Way of Hernando County, Inc.:
United Way of Hernando County (UWHC) was established as a 501c3 organization in 1987, and since then has continuously focused on creating partnerships and mobilizing our community to seek sustainable solutions to some of the most pressing local needs.  UWHC strategically allocates Community Investment Funds in Health, Education, & Financial Stability programs with proven results and local impact. For more information on how YOU can LIVE UNITED, visit www.unitedwayhernando.org.